EPIC X CHRONO BAGUETTE

Name: Epic X Chrono Baguette
Brand: Jacob & Co.

When launching the new Epic X collection in 2016, Jacob & Co. ventured into a new direction, with new shapes, new material and a new frame of mind. The inspiration of the design came from the letter X which symbolizes something unknown, mysterious and appealing which was the energy of the brand at the time. Epic X Chrono Baguette is the high function, high sports, high jewelry evolution of Epic X. A natural step in the complication and design direction, Epic X Chrono Baguette retains all the core elements of its namesake collection, and takes them all one level higher. A level that the chronograph perfectly represents, a level that an extensive setting of baguette-cut diamonds personifies. The multi-parts case construction allows a unique diversity of materials and different levels of gem-setting, each bringing its own style, luxury and energy into the mix. The mineral, colored, translucent dial gives a peek onto its core components. The same material is used on the case back to reveal the winding rotor, with its signature Jacob & Co. shape.

Epic X Chrono Baguette requires a movement that brings all the energy of Epic X and takes it up one notch. Caliber JCAA05 is a self-winding chronograph with two registers, a configuration called bi-compax. The classic movement architecture, with horizontal clutch, column wheel and two pushers is interpreted in a sporty fashion. Along with its chronograph function, Epic X Chrono Baguette comes with a rare feature. Its inner ring is not fixed. It rotates on demand thanks to a second crown at 10 o'clock. This allows to create time marks, or a countdown process that adds to the piece's natural complexity. The case is engineered to shield every protruding part. The crown, the pushers, the countdown crown are all inserted in pieces that come out of the case's round shape. This ruggedness is further enhanced by the case's is water-resistance to 200 meters.

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Caliber JCAA05 is all a chronograph can be. Functional, sturdy, finely finished, it bears the signature design elements of Jacob & Co. and of the Epic X collection.

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THE CHRONOGRAPH

The pusher at 2 o'clock starts and stops the timing function. This sequence can be activated at will, with no necessary end. Elapsed time is shown with the central seconds hand and the 30-minute register at 3 o'clock on the dial. Once the timing sequence is over, the 4 o'clock pusher resets all the hands. Epic X Baguette is ready for the next timing.

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THE GEM-SETTING

The bezel, and in some versions the entire case, of Epic X Chrono Baguette is dedicated to the showcasing of Jacob & Co.'s gem-setting skills. It takes the best hands, the best gems and the best know-how to cut each baguette-cut diamond and execute its invisible setting. Drawing from a 30-year experience in high jewelry, it results in a perfectly smooth, seamless surface of gleaming gems.

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THE ROTATING INNER RING

The crown at 10 o'clock on the case side drives the inner ring of Epic X Chrono Baguette. The 60-minute timer is independent from the chronograph when read in coordination with the central minute hand. It can become a 60-second timer if read in coordination with the red chronograph hand. And it can be used as a countdown in both cases.

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THE TRANSLUCENT EPIC X DIAL

Transparency is a key design signature of all Epic X. The requirements of the chronograph prevented the extensive use of a transparent dial. A chronograph must be accurately read and therefore uncluttered. So this dial is tainted, color being part of Jacob & Co.'s core identity, and translucent. Some of the movement's key parts are visible, enhancing the uniqueness of Epic X Chrono Baguette.

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THE SELF-WINDING MOVEMENT

A practical sports chronograph is a self-winding chronograph. Caliber JCAA05 is fitted with a rotor that automatically winds its power source. Its signature shape is directly inspired of the X that makes Epic X. It's visible to the naked eye thanks to a see-through caseback.

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Depending on the extent of its gem-setting, Epic X Chrono Baguette can be a highly sports-oriented chronograph, or a purely and intensely luxurious one. Versatility lies at the core of a great chronograph, and Epic X Chrono Baguette has been developed to be just that.